An ongoing series of discussions concerning discernment and matters of a spiritual nature.

Tuesday, July 20

Quote of the Day - special papal edition

“Over the pope as expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority, there stands one’s own conscience which must be obeyed before all else, even if necessary against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority. This emphasis on the individual, whose conscience confronts him with a supreme and ultimate tribunal, and one which in the last resort is beyond the claim of external social groups, even the official church, also establishes a principle in opposition to increasing totalitarianism”. - Joseph Ratzinger, Commentary on the Documents of Vatican II, 1967

I'd heard this quote when our priest talked about the primacy of conscience, but couldn't actually find it online, which irked me when I wrote about the role of conscience here. The good Terence over at Queering the Church found and posted it. Thanks T.*P.S. - I couldn't find any free images of His Holiness which didn't make him look either frail or evil (both of which I think are inappropriate here), so here's a kitten instead.

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Modes of Thought

"Over the pope as expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority, there stands one’s own conscience which must be obeyed before all else, even if necessary against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority. This emphasis on the individual, whose conscience confronts him with a supreme and ultimate tribunal, and one which in the last resort is beyond the claim of external social groups, even the official church, also establishes a principle in opposition to increasing totalitarianism."Joseph Ratzinger, Commentary on the Documents of Vatican II, 1967

"Everyone who wills can hear the Inner Voice. It is within everyone." Mohandus K. Ghandi

About Me

I am a 40-something man who knows that God has made him as he is, and that's all good. I have heard the Voice within and realize I must follow it wherever it may lead. Presently, I am blessed to share communion with a wonderful church which is Catholic, but not Roman and am currently married to the most wonderful and brilliant person on earth (though I may be SLIGHTLY biased).